Tottenham Hotspur Vs. Bolton Wanderers: 2-1 Full Time, Niko Kranjcar Stoppage Time Stunner Gives Spurs A Vital Win

It’s been a rough season for Niko Kranjcar, who hasn’t seen a whole lot of playing time for Tottenham Hotspur. The signing of Rafael van der Vaart, along with the form of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale has relegated the Croatian international to reserve duty. Tonight, thanks to a need for an attacking midfielder and some injuries, Kranjcar was given his chance, and he made the most of it. When it looked like Spurs were going to drop points after conceding a soft goal once again, Krancjar saved the day with a 91st minute stunner.

The first goal of the game came from Rafael van der Vaart via the penalty spot in the 6th minute, thanks to a handball by Kevin Davies. A second penalty was granted to Spurs two minutes later after Sam Ricketts fouled Aaron Lennon in the box, but they were unable to convert. The first attempt by van der Vaart was good, but called back for encroachment. His second attempt went well wide.

Bolton produced absolutely nothing going forward, but their first legitimate attack of the game produced a goal in the 55th minute. After a nice run through the center of the pitch, Mark Davies laid the ball off to his right to Daniel Sturridge, who finished low past Gomes. The Tottenham keeper appeared to get in front of the shot, and should have done much better.

It appeared that Spurs were going to drop points in a mostly well-played game yet again until Kranjcar struck in the first minute of stoppage time. Taking a pass from Roman Pavlyuchenko, Kranjcar took one touch to get the ball onto his left foot before hitting a great curling shot around the hand of Jussi Jaaskelainen and into the back of the net.

Spurs’ win moved them level with points on fourth place Chelsea, who play Liverpool tomorrow.